Gerald "Jerry" E. Young

Gerald E. Young, 76, of La Grande, died April 29 at a hospital in Walla Walla. A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday in McKenzie Theatre at Eastern Oregon University. Loveland Funeral Chapel and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Jerry was born Dec. 7, 1932, to Frank Edward Young and Lola Banton Young in La Grande.

He was a third-generation Young born in the Grande Ronde Valley. He lived his early years on a fruit orchard at the foot of Mount Emily and started his education in a one-room school on Mount Glen Road.

He graduated from La Grande High School, attended Eastern Oregon State College and Oregon State College and received master's and Ph.D. degrees from Oregon State University. He studied pomology, mechanical engineering, chemistry, history of science and did his research in radiation chemistry.

He began teaching chemistry and mathematics at Eastern Oregon College in 1959. He became division head of the science department and then dean of the School of Arts and Sciences until he retired.

He was a strong advocate of volunteering in the community and served on many boards and committees and lived his life as an example.

He was a member of the La Grande Rotary Club, EOU Foundation, McKenzie Farm Board, water quality and forestry boards, Salvation Army board and a longtime member of the La Grande School Board. His daughter serves as a fourth-generation school board member in Walla Walla.

He traveled to many other countries, first with the Navy and then on a Fulbright grant to Peru, and to many other countries in his later years.

He married Arlene Anderson Sept. 1, 1955, and they have three children: Douglas Edward of La Grande; Lucinda Kay Meyer and her husband, Dr. Joseph Meyer, of Walla Walla; and Patricia Lynne and her husband, Bobby Anderson, of Rogue River; two granddaughters and three grandsons; brother, Dale Young, his wife, Peggy, and their three children; and many cousins.

His parents preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to the EOU Foundation., One University Blvd., La Grande 97850.

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